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Tonya Duncan Ellis

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Baby Wordplay
Baby Wordplay🅷 Happy Juneteenth - Happy Freedom Day!SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE or SPOTIFY $2.99/month or SUPERCAST $3.99/monthThank you so much Ashley Causey-Golden for joining us - creator of Afrocentric Montessori - ⁠⁠HERE*Did you know that there are two Emancipation Parks that I know of? In Houston, Texas and Kingston, Jamaica.June 19, 1872, was the day that the enslaved people of Texas learned they were free legally- long after (2 years!) the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln: The holiday became known as Juneteenth in the US."Black people freed themselves" "According to Brit...
2025-06-1911 minKT Literary podcast
KT Literary podcastAuthor Interview: Tonya Duncan Ellis on Social Media and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOMOn this episode, author Tonya Duncan Ellis talks with us about her winning social media strategies, speaking at conferences and schools, and about writing books kids really want to read.Tonya's Bio:TONYA DUNCAN ELLIS is author of They Built Me for Freedom: The Story of Juneteenth and Houston’s Emancipation Park (HarperCollins, 2024) and Cookout Chemistry (Charlesbridge, 2027). She successfully self-published the 13-book Sophie Washington chapter series, which has sold over 175,000 copies. She is represented by Adria Goetz of kt Literary and lives in Houston, Texas. Follow Tonya on Instagram!Follow us on...
2025-06-0934 minEducational Equity Emancipation
Educational Equity EmancipationEpisode 135: Celebrating Black History and Futures Through StorytellingSend us a textIn this episode, host Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes author Tonya Duncan Ellis, the brilliant creator of the bestselling Sophie Washington book series and the picture book "They Built Me for Freedom." Tonya shares how her personal experiences and the rich history of Black culture inspired her work, which celebrates identity and engages young readers in meaningful conversations about freedom. The discussion explores the vital role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of America's Black history and the importance of representation for children of color.Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the...
2025-02-1032 minEducational Equity Emancipation
Educational Equity EmancipationEpisode 135: Celebrating Black History and Futures Through StorytellingSend us a textIn this episode, host Dr. Almitra Berry welcomes author Tonya Duncan Ellis, the brilliant creator of the bestselling Sophie Washington book series and the picture book "They Built Me for Freedom." Tonya shares how her personal experiences and the rich history of Black culture inspired her work, which celebrates identity and engages young readers in meaningful conversations about freedom. The discussion explores the vital role of storytelling in shaping our understanding of America's Black history and the importance of representation for children of color.Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the...
2025-02-1032 minHeart to Heart with Abagaba
Heart to Heart with AbagabaTonya Duncan Ellis: Author of the Bestselling Sophie Washington Children's Chapter Book SeriesJoin me in a heart-to-heart with Tonya Duncan Ellis.:She is the author of the bestselling Sophie Washington children’s chapter book series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM (Balzer + Bray an imprint of Harper Collins, 2024) She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit, and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation-sponsored, Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. In 2021, she won the Austin SCBWI Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. She is a 2022 SCBWI’s Independently Published Book Launch Marketing Grant winner. As represented by Sara Megibow of KT Li...
2024-10-2628 minGetting to The Heart of Why We Write
Getting to The Heart of Why We WriteStacks of Book Recommendations and Owning Your Author Identity with Author Ellen LeventhalPlease put your hands together for kidlit author Ellen Leventhal! Ellen is an author and educator who features other kidlit creators on her blog. She is also a delightful human! Welcome, Ellen! 💃💃💃💃 Some Highlights: Pull ideas from your experiences, even when they don’t seem important at the time they’re happening. Using stories to help children through challenging times. The joy of connecting with kids through stories.📚 Shaping your story through revision, just like you would a lump of clay. The difference between writing and getting...
2024-10-1136 minHolly Cotton Conversations
Holly Cotton ConversationsTurning Pages: Redefining Literature through diversityIn this episode, host Holly Cotton and author Tonya Duncan Ellis discuss her success as an author. She shares how she started writing with a book series for kids and her most recent book by a major publisher. Tonya gives tips on how to be successful as an author, how to get your book published and marketed on major platforms, lessons learned, and advice for other authors.  Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK (HarperCollins, Balzer + Bray, 2024) and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chi...
2024-08-0531 minAbsorb Your Day With A Next-Level Full Audiobook.
Absorb Your Day With A Next-Level Full Audiobook.Sophie Washington: My BFF by Tonya Duncan EllisPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/268995to listen full audiobooks. Title: Sophie Washington: My BFF Author: Tonya Duncan Ellis Format: mp3 Length: 1 hr and 51 mins Release date: 02-22-24 Ratings: Not rated yet Genres: Black & African American Publisher's Summary:
2024-02-221h 51Going North Podcast
Going North PodcastEp. 758 – Inspiring Readers Through Representation and Relatable Stories with Tonya Ellis (@TonyaDEllis)“It's important for kids to see themselves in books they read.” – Tonya Duncan EllisToday’s featured award-winning bestselling author is mom, wife, freelance writer, speaker, and diversity advocate, Tonya Duncan Ellis. Tonya and I had a chat about her books, her commitment to children's literature, the importance of learning about history, and more!! Key Things You’ll Learn:The major reason for Tonya selling over 150,000 booksHow she balances book writing and motherhoodThree mistakes to avoid as an author when promoting your book(s)Tonya’s b...
2023-12-0935 minGoing North Podcast
Going North PodcastEp. 758 – Inspiring Readers Through Representation and Relatable Stories with Tonya Ellis (@TonyaDEllis)“It's important for kids to see themselves in books they read.” – Tonya Duncan EllisToday’s featured award-winning bestselling author is mom, wife, freelance writer, speaker, and diversity advocate, Tonya Duncan Ellis. Tonya and I had a chat about her books, her commitment to children's literature, the importance of learning about history, and more!! Key Things You’ll Learn:The major reason for Tonya selling over 150,000 booksHow she balances book writing and motherhoodThree mistakes to avoid as an author when promoting your book(s)Tonya’s biggest setback that led her to more success Tonya’s Site: https://tonyaduncanellis.com/Tonya’s Books: https://w...
2023-12-0935 minPillars For Purposeful Motherhood
Pillars For Purposeful MotherhoodMom, Achieve your Purpose Inside & Outside of MotherhoodJoin me as we hear from Best-Selling Author, Tonya Duncan Ellis. Tonya is author of the award-winning, 13-book, SOPHIE WASHINGTON children’s chapter series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM (HarperCollins, Balzer + Bray, 2024). She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, and the Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation-sponsored Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. Tonya has spoken and taught at writing conferences at the Highlights Foundation and for SCBWI in New York City and for SCBWI Houston and Austin, TX chapters. A former journalist and freelance magazine writer, she holds a BA deg...
2023-10-2625 minInspirational Journeys: Stories that Matter
Inspirational Journeys: Stories that MatterThe Joy of Writing Educational and Entertaining Chapterbooks with Tonya EllisMy special guest and I have a fun and exciting conversation about our love of writing children’s books. Even though today’s episode is audio only for the most part, I get so excited to show off a new toy I made, that I forget that I don’t have my camera on, and turn it on for a brief second.so if you’re listening on YouTube, please disregard my split second video shot. For those of you listening, I’ll share the picture of the crocheted ice cream I talked about as part of the show notes blogpost o...
2023-09-2925 minAll things black podcast
All things black podcastEmpowering Young Minds: Tonya Duncan Ellis - Award-Winning Author and Advocate for Diverse Children's Literature"Empowering Young Minds: Tonya Duncan Ellis - Award-Winning Author and Advocate for Diverse Children's Literature In this episode, we feature Tonya Duncan Ellis, a highly accomplished author known for her bestselling Sophie Washington children's chapter book series and her soon-to-be-released book, "THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM." Tonya's impressive literary journey is highlighted, including her memberships in prestigious organizations like the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, Black Creators in KidLit, and her participation in the Brown Bookshelf's Highlights Foundation-sponsored, Amplify Black Stories storyteller cohort. Listeners will also learn about Tonya's accolades, such...
2023-09-1330 minApollo Papyrus Podcast
Apollo Papyrus PodcastInterview with author Tonya Duncan EllisIn this episode, host Aaron Apollo Camp interviews Tonya Duncan Ellis. Tonya is the author of the Sophie Washington series of children's books, and her picture book about the Juneteenth federal holiday in the United States will be released in 2024. You can visit Tonya's website at http://www.tonyaduncanellis.com/.
2023-08-3119 minThe Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
The Creative Penn Podcast For WritersPublishing Books For Children And Profitable School Visits With Tonya EllisHow can you create a book series that children love — and that you can expand into multiple streams of income? How can you offer a fantastic experience to schools — and get paid well for your time? Tonya Duncan Ellis gives her tips. In the intro, investment firm KKR will buy Simon & Schuster [Publishing Perspectives]; Subscriber Surge Giveaways [Written Word Media]; Key Book Publishing Paths [Jane Friedman]. Plus, lots happening with Amazon. I would rather see my books get pirated than this (Or why Goodreads and Amazon are becoming dumpster fires) by Jane Friedman; Blockchain for prov...
2023-08-141h 12Raising Wild Hearts
Raising Wild HeartsDiscovering the Joy of Books with Children's Author Tonya Duncan EllisLooking for inspiration on how to encourage children to read and enjoy the process? Look no further! We had the pleasure of chatting with Tonya Duncan Ellis, the brilliant mind behind the award-winning 13-book Sophie Washington Children's Chapter series and They Built Me for Freedom. Tonya shared her journey to becoming a successful writer, the impact her books have had on kids, educators, and readers across the US, and her secrets for making reading exciting and engaging for young minds.Tonya also provided valuable insights on how to choose the right books and series that will keep...
2023-06-2638 minThe Bookshelf Odyssey Podcast
The Bookshelf Odyssey PodcastEducating Youth Through Literature: a Juneteenth Conversation with Author Tonya Duncan EllisSend us a textIn today's episode, I sit down with children's author Tonya Duncan Ellis to delve into the world of literature that tells interesting stories but also educates. We talk about her immensely popular YA book series, Sophie Washington, and her journey to publication. We'll also get a sneak peak at her upcoming children's picture book, "They Built Me for Freedom," which explores the significance of Juneteenth. From heartfelt discussions about Juneteenth to the exploration of racism in literature, Tonya Duncan Ellis shares her passion for crafting stories that resonate with young readers, foster empathy...
2023-06-1946 minParenting on the Spectrum
Parenting on the Spectrum#75 - Why Read to Your Children? With Author Tonya Duncan EllisIn this podcast, Tonya discusses the critical role that reading plays in a child's development. She explains the various benefits of reading to your child, including language, cognitive, and emotional development, as well as the opportunity for bonding. Tonya emphasizes that reading can be an easy and enjoyable activity to incorporate into your daily routine, regardless of your child's age. She also shares some tips for selecting books that your child will enjoy and engage with. If you're a parent or caregiver looking to support your child's growth and development, this podcast is for you. Biography
2023-04-1834 minAll in the Library
All in the LibraryMeet author Tonya Duncan EllisTonya is the author of The Sophie Washington Series for kids ages 8-12.  Set in the suburbs of Houston, Sophie deals with common problems like fighting off bullies, squabbling with siblings, managing social media, and more.  
2023-03-0723 minPopcorn & Books
Popcorn & BooksSophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis25c. Join Karter as he reads Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis. When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemonade  Sixth-grader Sophie Washington and friends learn lessons about entrepreneurship, team work, and friendship when they sign up for a city-wide, Lemonade Day event. Sophie wants to buy her mother something special for her birthday, but she’s short on cash. Her bestie, Chloe, comes up with the perfect solution. Build their own lemonade stand to raise money at Lemonade Day. The girls add friends, Carly and Nathan, and Sophie’s little brother, Cole, to their team, and dec...
2022-04-1151 minPopcorn & Books
Popcorn & BooksSophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis25b. Join Karter as he reads Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis. When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemonade  Sixth-grader Sophie Washington and friends learn lessons about entrepreneurship, team work, and friendship when they sign up for a city-wide, Lemonade Day event. Sophie wants to buy her mother something special for her birthday, but she’s short on cash. Her bestie, Chloe, comes up with the perfect solution. Build their own lemonade stand to raise money at Lemonade Day. The girls add friends, Carly and Nathan, and Sophie’s little brother, Cole, to their team, and dec...
2022-04-0652 minPopcorn & Books
Popcorn & BooksSophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan EllisJoin Karter as he reads Sophie Washington: Lemonade Day by Tonya Duncan Ellis. When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemonade  Sixth-grader Sophie Washington and friends learn lessons about entrepreneurship, team work, and friendship when they sign up for a city-wide, Lemonade Day event. Sophie wants to buy her mother something special for her birthday, but she’s short on cash. Her bestie, Chloe, comes up with the perfect solution. Build their own lemonade stand to raise money at Lemonade Day. The girls add friends, Carly and Nathan, and Sophie’s little brother, Cole, to their t...
2022-04-0456 minFeel The Thought-Provoking Full Audiobook Experience!
Feel The Thought-Provoking Full Audiobook Experience!Sophie Washington: The Snitch by Tonya Duncan EllisPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/268978to listen full audiobooks. Title: Sophie Washington: The Snitch Series: Sophie Washington, Book 2 Author: Tonya Duncan Ellis Narrator: Patryce Williams Format: mp3 Length: 1 hr and 45 mins Release date: 02-02-22 Ratings: Not rated yet Genres: Black & African American Publisher's Summary: There's nothing worse than being a tattletale. That's what 10-year-old Sophie Washington thinks until she runs into Lanie Mitchell, a new girl at school. Lanie pushes Sophie and her friends around at their lockers, and even takes their lunch money. If they tell, they are scared the other kids in their class will call...
2022-02-021h 45Magical Books For Kids
Magical Books For KidsEP 33: Tonya Duncan Ellis Lands Coveted Scholastic DealChildren's author Tonya Duncan Ellis talks about her 12-book series featuring Sophie Washington. Her diverse stories make a big impact nationwide and Scholastic is now showcasing one of her books. Website: https://magiceverywhereinc.com/
2021-07-1428 minThe Conscious Educator
The Conscious EducatorDiversity in Children’s Books with Author Tonya EllisIn this episode I talk with author Tonya Ellis! We discuss the current state of diversity in children's books and the importance of educators including more authentic voices and experiences for all students to see themselves in the books we share with them. Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the best-selling, award winning, Sophie Washington illustrated chapter book series for kids ages 8-12. The 11-book series stars an African American tween from the Houston area and her diverse group of friends. Sophie and friends stand up to bullies, make friends, squabble with siblings, set limits with social media and...
2021-04-0718 minMarketing for Childrens Authors with Laurie Wright
Marketing for Childrens Authors with Laurie WrightMiddle Grade Success! with Tonya Duncan EllisJoin Laurie as she chats with Tonya Duncan Ellis, author of the award winning, best selling Sophie Washington children's books series. Tonya's books recount the adventures of a precocious African American preteen from Houston, TX and her diverse group of friends. Each funny and heartwarming story teaches lessons about friendship, responsibility, truthfulness and perseverance. Who doesn't need more of that for their preteen?!Contact InfoFacebook - @tonyaellisbooksInstagram - @tonyaellisbooksTwitter - @TonyaDEllishttps://tonyaduncanellis.com/Support the showReady to stop relying on Amazon for...
2021-01-1619 minGoing North Podcast
Going North PodcastEp. 758 – Inspiring Readers Through Representation and Relatable Stories with Tonya Ellis (@TonyaDEllis)“It's important for kids to see themselves in books they read.” – Tonya Duncan EllisToday’s featured award-winning bestselling author is mom, wife, freelance writer, speaker, and diversity advocate, Tonya Duncan Ellis. Tonya and I had a chat about her books, her commitment to children's literature, the importance of learning about history, and more!! Key Things You’ll Learn:The major reason for Tonya selling over 150,000 booksHow she balances book writing and motherhoodThree mistakes to avoid as an author when promoting your book(s)Tonya’s biggest setback that led her to more success Tonya’s Site: https://tonyaduncanellis.com/Tonya’s Books: h...
2021-01-0635 minMiddle Grade Ninja
Middle Grade Ninja3rd MGN Clip Show 2020It’s the third ever, ridiculously long mega-sized Middle Grade Ninja clips show, featuring snippets from episodes 60 through 100. New episodes are scheduled to return January 30th. Until then, enjoy this compilation of clips from conversations with AUTHORS Catherine Linka, Barbara Shoup, Kaela Noel, Sayantani DasGupta, Avi, Anna Meriano, Anne Bustard, Rob Harrell, Joy McCullough, Mitali Perkins, Carlie Sorosiak, Claire Swinarski, Josh Berk, Saundra Mitchell, Hugh Howey, Anne Nesbet, Tracy Wolff, Dorothy A. Winsor, Lillie Evans, Tony Perona, C.L. Shore, Janet E. Williams, Paula Chase, Preeti Chhibber, Annie Sullivan, MarcyKate Connolly, Laura Stegman, Daniel Kraus, Patrick Huellery, Margi Preus, Hayley Ch...
2020-12-266h 21Pastor B\'s Kitchen Table
Pastor B's Kitchen TableSophie Washington Book SeriesHave you read or purchased The Sophie Washington Book Series?  Tonya Duncan Ellis has written many books for children 8-12 years old about Sophie Washington and her adventures.  Sophie has conquered bullying, fitting in at school, and even her bratty brother.  This series is relatable to all children and would make a perfect gift to jump-start and/or encourage our children to read. Join Pastor B around the Kitchen Table to discuss relationships, self-improvement, and today's hot topics, all centered around the Word of God. Intro Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdDZ8ng2ujk...
2020-12-1128 minMiddle Grade Ninja
Middle Grade Ninja94 Author Tonya Duncan EllisTonya Duncan Ellis and I discuss her SOPHIE WASHINGTON series and I convince to give away all her indie publishing and marketing secrets for free. In this Halloween-ish episode, we discuss “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, specifics for writing a successful middle grade series, why it’s important for characters of color to star in stories about everyday kid stuff, Bigfoot, processing trauma through fiction, and so much more. And, added bonus, you can download both our books for free. Happy Halloween! Tonya Duncan Ellis has had her nose in a book since she learned to read, so it’s no s...
2020-10-311h 15Humanists Take on the World
Humanists Take on the WorldEpisode 120 – News for November 12, 2015Warning Options1. The podcast you're about to listen to includes cursing and talking about huhas. Please be advised.2. The podcast you’re about to listen to has an explicit tag for a goddamn reason. Please be advised.3. The podcast you’re about to listen to covers topics that may not be appropriate for children or Dustin’s parents. Please be advised.4. The podcast you're about to listen to may not be appropriate for all audiences. If you fit in that category, kindly fuck off. Please be advised.Email your vote to contact@htotw.comAdventists and Science* 18.1 million members* 175 Hospitals* 136 Nursing Homes...
2015-11-1259 min